Originally Posted by rtwpaul

i'm 38,000 miles into a RTW, right now in the states for another year doing a little work...riding an xt660z, but if you have any questions about long term riding let me know, if you link off my name i have a photo blog on here with my route

things you may want to consider

center stand 100%, its worth the extra weight - reason: you get a flat in the middle of nowhere, soft ground, it is real difficult getting a balance point without it, with it you don't even need to unload the bike

side stand, a LARGE foot is a must, also check your bike fully loaded, as all the weight drops the ride height down and makes the bike stand more upright, if you are in windy condition it can and will blow over on a side stand - mine did twice in patagonia

upgrade your handlebar risers - if the ones on yours are like the Z they are one piece, the bolt is machined on the riser if it snaps you are stranded, find some with a thru bolt

have extra chain clips, in 38 years of riding i never had a chain clip come off, on the XT i had it happen twice in one week, another friend i know had the same thing happen twice too. if you get stuck you can use safety wire to hold the outer plate on...or better is a rivet style

get an additional bottom plate for your Ohlins, i am sponsored by them and they told me that is the weak point if there is a failure...if you are not sure PM me and i'll send a photo

when you get to south america, especially Bolivia, get an extra gas can, fuel shortages are normal in out lying areas

tyres - my opinion on the tkc80 rear - crap! the best i got out of one was 4800 miles, but after 2000+ it was bad, i got a cheap Kenda 50/50 tyre fitted and have 6000 miles on it and it still has more tread that the TKC started with, little loose in the wet though!!! it cost $37 and the TKC was $170...i'll let you do the math

OK, gone on too long now, any questions responses reply to this and i will add more comments/ ideas if needed